Highlights
- Rolling down the Draa valley, Morocco’s biggest date-palm oasis
- A camel trek to a camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- The Tizi n’Tichka crossing and the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou
- A morning walk in the Todgha gorge
- A long descent from the Tizi n’Fedrhate pass to Marrakech
What awaits you
The riding on this tour is short, mostly flat and meant to be enjoyed rather than endured: about 220 km spread over five days, with a vehicle covering the long distances between the best stretches. It is a good first taste of southern Morocco for anyone who wants the scenery without the big climbs.The tour crosses the Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass and pauses at the fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou. Then the Draa valley takes over: a long green ribbon of date palms, the biggest in Morocco, with old mud-brick fortresses on either side. A stony track under the Saghro foothills leads on to Merzouga and a camel ride to a camp among the Erg Chebbi dunes. After an easy ride from Rissani to Erfoud and a morning in the Todgha gorge, the finale is a long coast down from the Tizi n’Fedrhate pass (2,150 m) through terraced barley, olive, fig and almond groves to Marrakech.
The price, the hotels and the full list of inclusions are confirmed when you enquire, so tell us your dates and group size and we will send a clear quote.
Itinerary
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Join the tour in Marrakech
Meet your guide and the group, then spend the evening on Jemaa el-Fna. Night in a Marrakech hotel.
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Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
A morning in the medina souks, then up and over the Tizi n’Tichka pass and a stop at Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar. About four hours behind the wheel in total, ending in Ouarzazate for the night.
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Agdz – Draa valley – Alnif (45 km)
Cross the Tizi n’Tinififft by vehicle, then get on the bikes near Agdz for a 45 km run down the Draa valley, mostly downhill, through Morocco’s biggest palm grove with old kasbahs and fortified villages on either side. A drive of about three hours takes you on to Alnif for the night.
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Jbel Saghro foothills – Merzouga (50 km)
Ride 50 km across the stony hammada below the southern foothills of Jbel Saghro, then drive about two and a half hours to Merzouga. A camel takes you to a camp among the Erg Chebbi dunes for the night.
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Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud (35 km)
Camel back to Merzouga in the morning, then an easy 35 km ride from Rissani to Erfoud between palm groves and mud-brick villages.
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Tinghir – Todgha gorge – Kelaat M’Gouna (40 km)
Pedal 40 km towards Tinghir beside old underground irrigation channels (khettaras) and small oasis gardens, then stretch your legs on a walk in the Todgha gorge. A two-hour drive takes you to Kelaat M’Gouna, the rose town.
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Tizi n’Fedrhate – Marrakech (50 km)
A drive takes you up to the Tizi n’Fedrhate pass at 2,150 m, and from there you coast 50 km down the northern side, losing about 1,200 m through Berber valleys of terraced barley, olives, figs and almonds. Marrakech again by late afternoon.
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Departure
Transfer to the airport.
Timings are a guide. Your guide adapts the pace to the group and the weather.
Route
Starts at Marrakech
Historic sites along the way
Aït Ben Haddou
17th century · 1 km from the route
A fortified earthen village on the old caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, listed by UNESCO and seen in many films.
Koutoubia Mosque
12th century · 1 km from the route
Marrakech’s landmark minaret, 77 m tall, next to Jemaa el-Fna square.
Bahia Palace
19th century · 1 km from the route
Painted cedar ceilings, zellige and quiet gardens in the medina of Marrakech.
Taourirt Kasbah
19th century · 1 km from the route
A maze of earthen towers and courtyards in the heart of Ouarzazate, once a Glaoui residence.
What’s included
- Vehicle support on the riding days
- Camel trek to the desert camp
- A night in a desert camp (mattresses, blankets and flush toilets)
What to bring
- Helmet, gloves and padded shorts
- Sun hat, sunglasses and strong sunscreen
- Light long sleeves for the sun and a warm layer for desert evenings
- Water bottles and a small daypack
- Comfortable shoes for walking in the gorge
Season
Autumn to spring
